SCOTS sex industry bosses plan to reveal the names of some of their high-profile clients in the increasingly hostile battle over a clampdown on prostitution.

Edinburgh sauna owners have threatened to make public a “hypocrisy hit list” of establishment figures who have paid for sex.

The list – which includes police officers, council officials, lawyers and two “celebrities” – is due to be unveiled in court next month. About 50 names are said to be on the list, which, sauna bosses claim, proves double standards among public officials trying to shut down the city’s sex industry. Six saunas lost their licences in July.

The City of Edinburgh Council has long turned a blind eye to the venues, apparently supported by the former Lothian and Borders Police. But the switch to a single nationwide force has left senior officers with no alternative but to take a tougher stance.

All six saunas are due to appeal at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on October 4 and three have been working together on the big-name bombshell.

A source who asked not to be named said they would attempt to put the “roll of shame” before the court because it demonstrated public bodies were not fit to act when some of their employees paid for sex. He said: “It is all really hypocritical that they can use the girls for many years and then as soon as Police Scotland say so they suddenly condemn them. This is double standards.

“All kinds of official have been to the saunas, from councillors to police officers, most of them senior.

“They would come in, pay the £10-£20 desk fee before going into a room with a girl, just like everyone else.

“Now they’re telling us we can’t do this any more, it’s ridiculous.

“The girls know who they are, the minders who look after the girls know who they are and us owners know who they are – customers have even pointed them out before.”

All kinds of official have been to the saunas, from councillors to police officers

A source

Next month’s hearing will decide whether the six saunas will have to close their doors for good.

Operation Windermere saw more than 150 officers raid six saunas across the capital on June 7, with the remainder “inspected” days later. The City of Edinburgh Council suspended the six licences, ordering the saunas to shut.

Yesterday she said: “This was something that should have been dealt with quietly and privately.

“I thought that the raids were wrong. Whether you agree with these places or not, they are managed and fewer women are on the streets. But I do not condone public authorities being blackmailed like this and I would expect the council and police force to consult with their lawyers.”

Both the City of Edinburgh Council and Police Scotland declined to comment last night.